December Chanco Chatter
In This Issue:
Advent Retreat
Fall Work Weekend
Give the Gift of Chanco
Winter Camp 2026
| |
Advent Retreat
Friday, December 12 – Saturday, December 13
This program is designed for adults 18 and up.
*Cost of Private Room – $160.00
*Cost of Shared Room – $120.00
Exhausted? World weary? ADVENT CALLS US to inner renewal as we quiet ourselves and prepare again for the coming of Jesus into our hearts. But how exactly does that work in demanding and disturbing times that often leave us feeling overly busy, confused, anxious, disillusioned, and distrustful? This retreat invites us to ponder such things as we reflect on scripture, acknowledge our experience, do some journaling, and engage in gentle large and small group conversations. We will also do some drumming on Friday night and take time for silence after lunch on Saturday when there will be an opportunity to stroll through the woods, walk Chanco’s labyrinth, make a collage, or simply sit quietly and breathe deeply.
This program is designed for adults 18 and up; dinner, breakfast, and lunch are included. Please bring a journal and writing tool, a small rhythm instrument if you have one (drums will be provided), walking shoes, and clothes appropriate to the weather. We begin with check-in on Friday at 5, have dinner at 6, and gather in the Spirit Center at 7. The retreat will end on Saturday around 4:30.
| |
Angier Brock, a veteran retreat leader, is a communicant of Grace Church, Yorktown, where she facilitates a weekly Centering Prayer group on Zoom; and she plays in the handbell choir at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg. A journal keeper for nearly fifty years, she also writes poetry (including hymn and anthem texts), personal collects, and reflective prose. With an MA in Christian education and an MFA in creative writing, she has long been interested in the connection between spirituality and creativity—and she sees Advent as a particularly fertile time for weaving the two together. Currently she spends much of her time trying to stay one step ahead of her 9-month old puppy Milly.
|
Fall Work Weekend
Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 14
This event is open to all ages. Any helpers under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian present to attend.
Our Fall Work Weekend has a new date, and we can’t wait to see you at Chanco. Roll up your sleeves and join us as we tackle important projects to keep our beautiful campus looking its best — from roof repairs and trail maintenance to painting and pruning. Bring your own tools or use ours — either way, your help makes a huge difference.
Projects to Be Done:
- Carpentry: Decks, chalets, plumbing, and minor rot repairs
- Painting: Rake and trim boards at the Retreat Center
- Trail Work: Split at the Prayer Garden, Bypass Davenport
- Trimming: Lopping crepe myrtles behind the Manor
- Hauling: Cleanup and hauling at the Scar
- Prayer Garden: Weed, trim, and apply preen to garden beds
- Roofing: Strip, repair, and shingle
Come for the day or stay for the entire weekend! Overnight lodging is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
Join us for a weekend of hard work, fellowship, and fun while making a lasting impact on Chanco’s campgrounds. We can’t wait to work alongside you!
|
Give the Gift of Chanco
A life-changing present they'll never forget!
This Christmas, skip the gadgets and gift cards that get used once and forgotten. Instead, give a gift that lasts long after the decorations are packed away — a summer adventure at Chanco on the James!
At Chanco, campers gain confidence, form meaningful friendships, and discover who they are within a welcoming, faith-centered community.
The holidays are the perfect time to wrap this unforgettable experience and put it under the tree. And Santa has come early — bringing holiday early-registration savings.
Register for the 2026 season by December 31, 2025 and save:
• $15 off one-week sessions
• $25 off two-week sessions
Christmas morning comes and goes, but the impact of camp lasts far beyond summer. Imagine their excitement as they unwrap the promise of new adventures, new friendships, and a summer that helps shape who they’ll become.
Give them a gift that brings joy now and memories that last forever, all while saving on next summer’s rates.
Don’t wait — sessions fill quickly. Reserve their spot today.
|
Winter Camp 2026
January 16–18 I Ages 7–12 I $125 per camper
Winter Camp is comin' in hot! Remember the magic? Stories by the bonfire, friends who feel like family, and memories that last a lifetime? It's time to come back to Chanco and relive the adventure you love.
Zip through the trees, warm up with hot cocoa by the fire, and dive back into the fun with archery, skits, games, music, worship, and more. Let's make new memories while celebrating old ones.
Register today and get your bags ready!
| | |
2025
December 12–13 Advent Retreat
December 12–14 Fall Work Weekend
2026
January 16–18 Winter Camp
Learn more & register at:
chanco.org/events
| |
2026 Camp Dates & Rates
Online registration now open.
Choose Tier 1 to give back to our beloved Chanco, or choose Tier 2 for a subsidized cost — no matter your choice, your camper will receive the same incredible experience!
| | |
Chanco on the James
The Camp & Retreat Center of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia
394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, VA 23881
Phone: 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626)
Fax: 757-294-0727
Email: director@chanco.org
| | | | |
